Chapter 257
Hannah’s face fell a little at Devon’s answer, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she simply said, “If the results from the lab come in, you need to let me know immediately p>
“Of course,” Devon nodded, “I promise, the moment I hear anything, you’ll be the first to know p>
Hugo Richards turned toward Caitlin, unable to contain his curiosity. “Caitlin-Dr. Kensington-was your grandfather good to you p>
At that, everyone else in the room looked at Caitlin as well.
The official results hadn’t arrived yet, but deep down, they had already accepted Caitlin as their long-lost Freya. They were desperate to learn about her past, to understand just how much she had suffered over the years.
A gentle warmth filled Caitlin’s eyes at the mention of Fortune Kensington. “He may not have been related to me by blood, but he was the best grandfather anyone could ask for. Truly, the kindest man I’ve ever known p>
Every time she thought of Fortune, Caitlin’s heart softened. She often remembered the words: *Without my grandfather, I wouldn’t have made it this far; without me, my grandfather would have spent his final years alone.* Fortune may not have been her biological family, but he’d given her everything he could.
“So you grew up with just your grandfather?” Zachary Richards asked softly.
Caitlin nodded. “Yes. Times were tough back then, but he never let me feel deprived or unloved p>
“Freya-oh, sorry, Dr. Kensington-my sister-in-law told me you grew up in Verdant Grove?” Justin Richards chimed in, his voice full of curiosity.
All her uncles seemed eager to know about Caitlin’s childhood.
“That’s right p>
Hearing this, Hannah’s suspicions about that old car accident only deepened. Verdant Grove was hundreds of miles from Stuart Gonzales’s hometown. How could a three-month-old baby end up bleeding and abandoned so far from home? It was obvious—someone had meant for Freya to disappear forever. The cruelty of it filled her with pain.
Tears pricked at Hannah’s eyes as she squeezed Caitlin’s hand. “Sweet child, you’ve suffered so much all these years p>
Caitlin smiled gently. “Not at all, madam. Honestly, those days weren’t hard for me. They’re some of my happiest memories p>
“Dr. Kensington, whether or not you turn out to be our Freya, fate has clearly brought us together. From now on, don’t call me ‘madam’ anymore. Call me Grandma Hannah, would you p>
“Of course, Grandma Hannah.” Caitlin nodded with a soft laugh. “And you can call me Catie. ‘Dr. Kensington’ sounds so distant p>
Caitlin truly adored Hannah and the Richards family-their warmth, the way they welcomed her in.
“Catie, then you can’t call me Lady Jade anymore,” Jade piped in with a smile. “Just call me Aunt Jade from now on p>
“And I’m Aunt Kelley,” Kelley added.
“Stephanie,” another woman offered.
One by one, the Richards sisters-in-law introduced themselves, each eager to claim their place in Caitlin’s life.
Once the women had finished, Warren couldn’t resist joining in. “Catie, I’m your Uncle Warren p>
“Uncle Willis here,” another man said.
“And I’m Uncle Lyle p>
The room filled with laughter and affection as the Richards family embraced her, and Caitlin’s heart brimmed with happiness. She couldn’t help but think that if she really was Freya, she would be unimaginably lucky.
Just then, the butler approached, breaking the cozy moment. “Madam, Miss Templeton has arrived p>
Miss Templeton?
Hannah’s brow furrowed. “What’s she doing here p>
This was the last moment Hannah wanted an outsider interrupting them- especially Ann Templeton, whom she’d never cared for. Something about the woman always struck her as calculating. Still, the Richardses and the Gonzaleses were connected by marriage, and for Keira’s sake, she couldn’t turn Ann away.
“Please show her in,” Hannah said, forcing a polite smile.